$Unique_ID{BRK02407} $Pretitle{} $Title{Can Exercise Help You Past Age 65?} $Subject{exercise age strength weaker muscle bones bone density aging aged old geriatric geriatrics exercises behavior behaviors lifestyle lifestyles exercising physical activity} $Volume{T-23} $Log{ Exercise Strengthens the Heart*0003202.scf Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf Exercise Increases Lung Capacity*0003206.scf} Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Can Exercise Help You Past Age 65? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I read a lot of good answers to questions about exercise in your column, but I don't think they can apply to me. I am passing that great age of retirement (65) this year, and suppose that all the good things you tell us that exercise can do for people, is really much too late for me. So what do you advise for men my age, or don't you have an easy solution for us? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Of course I do, and it is that all the great advice about exercise that I put in this column can benefit you as well. I suppose it goes along with my philosophy that it is never too late, but there is a whole body of rather recent knowledge about exercise and its benefits in individuals rich in years that supports my point of view. To be sure there are a lot of changes going on as you pass from the age of 30 or so up through 65 to 70 and beyond. Strength grows weaker, as your mass of muscles diminishes, bones lose some of their density and strength, and your capacity for physical work diminishes. Your heart pumps blood less efficiently and so pulse rate and blood pressure may rise, and even the rate of your metabolism drops. Sounds pretty grim, doesn't it, and makes the end seem very near (average life expectancy for men is 72 years, and 79 years for women). Yet every one of the factors I mentioned can be reversed with a regular program of exercise, and I don't mean rough physical activity, since a good brisk walk can gain you almost as much. Not only do you get to feel better, and do better, but your potential for accident and falls is reduced as you regain and retain muscle strength. Bone loss is less, especially for women, and your need for medications to reduce high blood pressure is diminished (think of what that does for your pocketbook), and you can push back those averages and stay around a bit longer and enjoy it more. A few suggestions. Don't push your activity beyond your physical abilities. A good coach can help you there. Be sure to start with some good limbering and stretching exercises, and a few more after your exercise session. Then, keep it interesting, keep it regular and keep it up. You have a great deal to gain. And that goes for you gals as well. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.